First Confession and Solemn Holy Communion at the Cathedral in Melbourne, Australia
Last weekend, 24–25 October, eight children made their First Confession on Saturday and, on Sunday, received Holy Communion during a solemn Divine Liturgy at Sts Peter and Paul Cathedral in Melbourne.
They began preparing in July. Every Sunday they came to catechism and talked about right and wrong, why our choices matter, what repentance is and how God forgives. Their parents also met with Fr. Andriy. They spoke about raising children in the faith and what a family can do to help a child grow closer to God. On Saturday the children came to the Mystery of Repentance for the first time. Confession is not just admitting our mistakes. It is a meeting with Christ, who forgives, heals and lets us begin again.
In his homily on Sunday, Fr. Andriy spoke about the white garment we receive at Baptism. Clothes get stained. So do souls. But when we repent honestly, Christ washes us clean and restores our relationship with Him. The children were asked to remember one thing above all: God does not stop loving us when we get it wrong. He helps us back on our feet. Fr. Andriy also reminded them that Christ wants to be their best Friend. In Confession He gives us His mercy, love and forgiveness. In the Eucharist He gives us Himself, His Body and Blood, so that we can live with God and in God.
A word for those less familiar with our Eastern tradition. At the start of Christian life we receive three Holy Mysteries together: Baptism, Chrismation (Confirmation) and the Holy Eucharist. Baptism and Chrismation are received once. The Eucharist we receive again and again, and that includes our youngest children, who are welcome to Holy Communion at every Divine Liturgy, especially on Sundays and feast days.
When a child reaches the age of reason and begins to understand their actions and answer for them, they prepare for First Confession. After that, they come to Communion knowing better what they are doing. So Sunday was not these children’s first Communion. It was a step towards receiving it more consciously.
The Cathedral was full. Families, relatives and parishioners came to pray with the children and share in their joy. Following Christ is not a road of fear or sadness. It is a road of faith, love, joy and hope.
We thank God for these children, for their parents, and for everyone who helped prepare them. Please keep them in your prayers. First Confession is only the beginning, and there will be many choices and difficulties ahead. May they always remember that Christ is close, that they can come back to Him at any time, and that He is worth following all their lives. May God bless the children and their families!
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